USDA-ARS Fellowship: Advancing Dairy Forage Facility Systems

How To Apply

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-MWA-

3/27/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in‑house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting‑edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well‑being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources;

and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

The mission of the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center (USDFRC) is to lead the world in integrated dairy forage systems research. The Center is dedicated to providing dairy industry solutions for food security, environmental sustainability, and economic viability through science‑based research initiatives focused on improving dairy production systems, soil ecology, forage production, and ecosystem services.

The participant will have the opportunity to contribute to the modernization of high‑performance agricultural research facilities at the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center. This project focuses on transitioning legacy infrastructure to state‑of‑the‑art systems that support cutting‑edge dairy forage research. Key areas of engagement include environmental controls, energy efficiency, and biosecurity standards critical to ensuring the integrity of scientific data. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will analyze and propose engineering solutions to align facility operations with rigorous research requirements, gaining hands‑on experience in biosystems engineering, facility management, and federal compliance processes.

• Learn to analyze and interpret complex engineering drawings and schematics, gaining an understanding of how mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems interact within agricultural research facilities.
• Collaborate with engineers and facility managers to explore theoretical solutions for modernizing infrastructure, focusing on energy efficiency, environmental controls, and biosecurity requirements.
• Observe and engage in the stages of federal construction and repair projects, from requirements gathering and design to on‑site implementation, fostering a comprehensive understanding of project management in public service.
• Research advancements in agricultural engineering, such as automated climate control systems, and evaluate their potential applications to improve facility operations.
• Synthesize technical observations and findings into professional reports and presentations suitable for review by senior engineering staff, emphasizing clarity and precision.

Mentor:
Brittney Jones (Brittney.

Jones)

• Start Date:
  
  February 2026 (flexible)
• Length:
  Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation and funding availability.
• Participation:
  Full time.
• Stipend: $9,000 monthly.

U.S. citizenship only.

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